Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Cauliflower Fritters

Weekends are the days where we normally make some thing extra in the kitchen. Now, the winter has started to set in, evenings are gettting very chilly. Now Chilly Weekend Evenings, Tummy and tongue too, wants something chillie!!!, hott!!, crunchy!!! But as a mother i want it to be healthy too.

So, Here Comes the Cauliflower Fritters. I m sending this post to Food for 7 Stages of life - Kids Special Event co-hosted by Radhika and Sudheshna.
And also to CFK - Veggies and Fruits, hosted by Lakshmi Venkatesh of Kitchen Chronicles, Event Started by Sharmi of Neivedyam.
Since i m sending this for kids event, thought of including some Nutritional info too.

Colorful fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of DNA protective antioxidants; but there’s another vegetable that’s white in color that has similar disease fighting power – the Versatile Cauliflower.

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable in the same family as another veggie with powerful health benefits – broccoli. Cauliflower lacks the chlorophyll that gives broccoli its green color because its large leaves shield it from the direct rays of the sun. That made me Say WOW!!! really

Health Benefits of Cauliflower – It Fights Cancer
Because cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, it has many of the same cancer fighting properties of broccoli, kale, and cabbage; vegetables that have become poster children for cancer prevention. A diet high in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower is thought to lower the risk of various types of cancer including those of the lung, colon, prostate, and pancreas.

Health Benefits of Cauliflower – It’s High in Vitamin C
Cauliflower is a surprisingly good source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant vitamin, one that helps to maintain a strong immune system, promote wound healing. A single serving of cauliflower provides over half of the recommended daily requirement of vitamin C.

Health Benefits of Cauliflower – It’s a Guilt-Free Food
At only twenty calories in a 3.5 ounce serving and no fat, cauliflower can be enjoyed in abundance without tipping the scales. Because of its low carbohydrate content, it’s a good substitute for potatoes.


Info Source : healthmad.com

Ingredients
Cauliflower - 1/2 kg - cleaned and cut into florets
Gram flour/Besan - 3 tbsp
Rice flour - 2 tbsp
Corn flour - 2 tbsp
Red chilli powder - 2 tbsp
turmeric, hing - a pinch
Salt to taste
oil for frying

Method
Mix all the given ingredients except oil,  together by sprinkling very little water. The florets should be just coated. Let it rest for 1/2 hour.


Heat oil in a Deep-pan and fry the florets in batches and Dry it on paper towels.Enjoy with Ketchup.





Monday, November 16, 2009

Warning: Alternative Heating Sources Can Be Deadly!

These days, many homeowners are exploring alternative heating sources as a means of heating their homes and reducing heating bills during the winter months. Pellet stoves, wood stoves, fireplaces and space heaters are among the many home heating solutions that have seen a resurgence in recent years -- both as primary and supplementary heating sources -- as homeowners try to do their parts to save on heating bills.

While these old-fangled heating methods can be extremely cost-effective and can give your home a special ambiance and charm, they can also be extremely dangerous if not properly installed or maintained. In fact, over the last several years, the Insurance Information Institute reports an alarming increase in the number of home fires, smoke damage and carbon monoxide poisonings traceable to the incorrect installation or use of these heating alternatives.

Alternative heating sources require special care and attention at all times. If you plan to use a wood stove or other alternative heating source in your home, Horizon Services recommends that you heed the following tips:
  • Be sure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed in throughout your house

  • Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly

  • Make sure that there is plenty of clearance bertween the stove and floors, walls and ceilings

  • Keep combustible items such as books, newspapers, clothing and furniture far away from the heating source

  • Make sure that your stove or heating source sits on a non-combustible, fire-resistant base

  • Burn only dry-well-seasoned wood

  • Dispose of ashes in a closed metal container outside of your home

  • Regularly clean vents, flues and chimneys

  • Check power cords frays, cracks and breakage

  • Never let a fire burn unattended or overnight while you sleep

  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy


Additional Information from Horizon Services:

Rava Idli & Award time




Rava Idli

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Rava idli is a Popular breakfast in south india especially in Bangalore.I love rava idlies.But  i never tried before marriage at home.I used to Prepare MTR ready mix.After 3-4 trails i got this recipe.Now i make it quite regulary.This is an Instant one(no fermentation) can be prepare easily.You can make it healthier by adding Vegetables to your choice.I am using here Grated carrots & finely chopped coriander.Having 3-4 idlies u can feel ful.Best combo with this is Mint chutney or coconut chutney.

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Ingredients:

Rava- 1 cup
Curd-1 1/2 cup
Salt-To taste
Soda-pinch
Grated carrot-1/4 cup
Chopped coriander-1/4 cup

For seasoning:

Urad dal-1/ tsp
Channa dal-1/2 tsp
Mustard-1/2 tsp
Redchilli-3
Curry leaves
Cashew-10

Preparation method:

1. Dry roast rava until it will become golden brown.
2. Heat 2 tsp of oil,add seasoning ingredients.fry well.
3. Add sal & soda in curd mix well,add roasted rava,carrot & coriander.
4. Add seasoning ingredients mix well.Kepp  it aside for 20-30 min.
5. If it is too thick add little water.
6. Pour the batter in greased Idly plate.
7. Allow it to cook for 15 min.
8. Remove from plate serve hot with mint or coconut chutney.


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Menaga   from  SASHIGA  Shared this Award with me.Thanks a lot Menaga.I want to share this Award with All my Blogger friends.So please accept this award.

best